Clamping Device and Tool Holder

This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 365 of International Application No. PCT/EP2024/077756, filed on Oct. 2, 2024, and claims priority to German Application No. 10 2023 127 412.0, filed on Oct. 9, 2023. The contents of International Application No. PCT/EP2024/077756 and German Application No. 10 2023 127 412.0 are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

The present disclosure relates to a clamping device and a tool holder with the clamping device.

Clamping devices are frequently used to support surgical tools in a clamped position on a perforated plate.

DE 10 2021 106 109 A1, DE 10 2021 106 110 A1 and DE 10 2021 106 111 A1 each show clamping devices that are designed in one piece.

It is the object of the present disclosure to provide a clamping device which has improved properties, in particular is economical to produce. Furthermore, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a tool holder that has such a clamping device.

A clamping device according to the present disclosure is designed for supporting a surgical tool in a clamped state on a perforated plate. The clamping device has a clamping apparatus and a fastening apparatus. The clamping apparatus has a number, in particular 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 4, of clamping springs, each with a clamping limb for clamping the surgical tool. The number of clamping springs extends from a base of the clamping apparatus in a longitudinal direction of the clamping device. The clamping limbs define an insertion opening for inserting the surgical tool into the clamping apparatus. The fastening apparatus has a number, in particular 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 4, of fastening springs, each with a fastening limb for fastening the clamping device to the perforated plate. The number of fastening springs extends from one base of the fastening apparatus in the longitudinal direction of the clamping device. Each fastening limb has a fastening unit for fastening the clamping device to the perforated plate, in particular in a detachable manner. The clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus are connected to one another by means of a frictional, integral and/or interlocking connection. The clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus can each be formed from a bent sheet of metal.

The frictional, integral and/or interlocking connection advantageously allows for a modular design of the clamping device. For example, the modular design allows the fastening apparatus and/or the clamping device to be used as standardized individual components in other devices. This allows the fastening apparatus and/or the clamping apparatus to be manufactured in a larger quantity than is required for the production of clamping devices, thereby reducing the cost per clamping device, and the clamping device is therefore economical to manufacture.

Another aspect of the clamping device can be that by forming the clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus each from a bent sheet of metal, the manufacture of the clamping device is simplified and economical. In particular, identical or similar bending tools can be used for manufacturing the clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus, which can save further costs.

The surgical tool can be an instrument head, in particular a drilling or milling tool with or without a tool shank. The surgical tool can be designed to be inserted into a hand-held surgical instrument.

The surgical tool can be inserted into the clamping device by inserting the surgical tool into the insertion opening. The surgical tool can be brought into the clamped state by inserting it into the clamping device. In the clamped state, each clamping spring can exert a spring force on the surgical tool, which presses the surgical tool against the other clamping springs. The spring force can be generated, for example, by pre-tensioning the number of clamping springs when the surgical tool is inserted into the clamping device.

Each clamping spring can have an insertion ramp for inserting the surgical tool into the clamping device. The insertion ramps can limit the insertion opening. Insertion can be achieved by pressing the surgical tool against the insertion ramps, which causes the surgical tool to slide along the insertion ramps and pre-tension the number of clamping springs until the clamped state of the surgical tool is reached.

The surgical tool can be inserted into the clamping device by a directed movement of the surgical tool parallel to, or in particular opposite to, the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction can run parallel to a longitudinal axis of the clamping device.

Each clamping limb can have a contact portion for frictional and/or interlocking contact of the surgical tool in the clamped state. Each contact section can protrude radially inwards.

The number of clamping springs can be arranged, in particular evenly and/or circumferentially, distributed around the longitudinal axis.

The number of fastening springs can be arranged, in particular evenly and/or circumferentially, distributed around the longitudinal axis.

The base of the clamping apparatus and/or the base of the fastening apparatus can have a portion that is designed as a circular disk. The base of the clamping apparatus and/or the base of the fastening apparatus can be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The base of the clamping apparatus and/or the base of the fastening apparatus can be arranged at a first end of the clamping device. The base of the clamping apparatus and/or the base of the fastening apparatus can form the first end of the clamping device. The base of the clamping apparatus and/or the base of the fastening apparatus can serve as a limit to the insertion depth of the surgical tool into the clamping device.

The insertion opening can be arranged at a second end of the clamping device opposite the first end.

The fastening unit can be designed to fasten the clamping device to the perforated plate by means of a frictional, integral and/or interlocking connection. The fastening unit can have a locking element. The locking element can be designed to lock with the perforated plate. The locking element can be designed to fix the clamping device to the perforated plate by means of a locking connection formed between the locking element and the perforated plate.

To attach the clamping device to the perforated plate, the fastening apparatus can be displaced by pre-tensioning the number of fastening springs in such a way that the fastening unit can be inserted at least partially into a hole of the perforated plate, wherein by releasing the pre-tensioned number of fastening springs, the fastening apparatus is repositioned in such a way that the clamping device is fastened to the perforated plate by means of the fastening apparatus.

In particular, the clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus can only be connected to one another by means of a frictional, integral and/or interlocking connection.

The clamping apparatus and/or the fastening apparatus can be formed from a material that contains iron. The clamping apparatus and/or the fastening apparatus can be made of a flexible metal, preferably a spring steel, for example formed from the material 1.4310.

The sheet metal from which the clamping apparatus is formed can have a width and/or a length that is more than five times, in particular ten times, the thickness of the sheet metal from which the clamping apparatus is formed.

The sheet metal from which the fastening apparatus is formed can have a width and/or a length that is more than five times, in particular ten times, the thickness of the sheet metal from which the clamping apparatus is formed.

In a further development of the clamping device, the sheet metal from which the clamping apparatus is formed and the sheet metal from which the fastening apparatus is formed are made of the same material. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet metal from which the clamping apparatus is formed and the sheet metal from which the fastening apparatus is formed have the same thickness.

Advantageously, forming the sheet metal of the clamping apparatus and forming the sheet metal of the fastening apparatus from the same material can facilitate the creation of the connection between the clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus. Preferably, the clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus can be very easily glued, clamped or welded together. In particular, welding the clamping apparatus to the fastening apparatus can be simplified due to the same melting temperature and the same physical and chemical properties of the material.

Further cost reductions can be achieved in that the sheet metal of the clamping apparatus and the sheet metal of the fastening apparatus are formed from the same material and/or have the same thickness. In particular, the clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus can be made from the same sheet metal component, especially the same sheet metal component. This allows the sheet metal required for the manufacture of the clamping device to be standardized, thereby achieving further cost reductions.

In a further development of the clamping device, the clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus are separately designed components that are connected to one another by means of a frictional, integral and/or interlocking connection. The fastening apparatus can be designed in one piece. The clamping apparatus can be designed in one piece.

In a further development of the clamping device, the base of the clamping apparatus and the base of the fastening apparatus are connected to one another by means of a frictional, integral and/or interlocking connection. Advantageously, this allows additional portions for creating the frictional, integral and/or interlocking connection to be omitted, which yields a particularly compact design of the clamping device.

In a further development of the clamping device, the clamping apparatus and/or the fastening apparatus are designed as a stamped and bent part. Advantageously, such a design of the clamping apparatus and/or the fastening apparatus enables economical production of the clamping device.

In a further development of the clamping device, the clamping apparatus has a first locking element. The fastening apparatus can have a second locking element corresponding to, preferably complementary to, the first locking element. The interlocking connection is a locking connection formed by the first locking element and the second locking element. The first locking element can have a locking opening. The second locking element may have a locking lug. The locking lug can engage in the locking opening while forming the locking connection.

In a further development of the clamping device, the clamping apparatus has a number of bent bending tabs. The interlocking connection is formed by gripping the fastening apparatus with the bent bending tabs of the clamping apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, the fastening apparatus has a number of bent bending tabs. The interlocking connection is formed by gripping the clamping apparatus with the bent bending tabs of the fastening apparatus. The interlocking connection can be an overlapping of the clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus with each other.

In a further development of the clamping device, the interlocking connection is formed by means of a clinch connection. The clinch connection can also be called a pressure connection, press-joining connection or Toxen connection.

In a further development of the clamping device, the interlocking connection is formed by means of a deep-drawn connection. The clamping apparatus can have a through-hole. A portion of the fastening apparatus can be driven through the through-hole in the clamping apparatus by means of deep drawing. The portion of the fastening apparatus driven through the through-hole in the clamping device can be deformed in such a way that the portion of the fastening apparatus at least partially rests against the clamping apparatus while forming the interlocking connection. The base of the clamping apparatus can have a through-hole. The base of the fastening apparatus can have the portion.

Alternatively, the fastening apparatus can have a through-hole. A portion of the clamping apparatus can be driven through the through-hole in the fastening apparatus by means of deep drawing. The portion of the clamping apparatus driven through the through-hole in the fastening apparatus can be deformed in such a way that the portion of the clamping apparatus at least partially rests against the fastening apparatus while forming the interlocking connection. The base of the fastening apparatus can have a through-hole. The base of the clamping apparatus can have the portion.

In a further development of the clamping device, the interlocking connection is formed by means of an upset connection.

In a further development of the clamping device, the integral connection is formed by means of an adhesive connection, a welded connection, in particular a spot welded connection, and/or a soldered connection.

In a further development of the clamping device, the fastening unit has a first projection and a second projection. The fastening unit is designed to accommodate the perforated plate between the first projection and the second projection for fastening the clamping device to the perforated plate, in particular while forming an interlocking connection.

The first projection and the second projection can be positioned opposite each other. The first projection and the second projection can be arranged adjacent to one another, in particular in the longitudinal direction. The first projection and the second projection can extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first projection and the second projection can extend at least partially radially outwards, in particular be curved radially outwards.

The value of the distance between the first projection and the second projection can be equal to or greater than the value of the thickness of the perforated plate. The fastening unit can be designed to be passed at least partially through a hole in the perforated plate, so that in a fixed state of the clamping device on the perforated plate the perforated plate is arranged between the first projection and the second projection.

A tool holder according to the present disclosure for supporting a surgical tool in a designated position has a previously described clamping device and the perforated plate with a hole. The clamping device is fastened to the hole in the perforated plate by means of the fastening unit.

The hole can be designed to allow the surgical tool to be inserted into the clamping device. The insertion opening can be arranged inside the hole.

The fastening unit can be passed at least partially through the hole in the perforated plate so that the perforated plate is arranged between the first projection and the second projection for the purpose of fastening the clamping device to the perforated plate. The first projection can be arranged on the top side of the perforated plate, and the second projection can be arranged on the bottom side of the perforated plate.

In a further development of the tool holder, the perforated plate has a plurality of teeth that define the hole. Each fastening limb is arranged between two adjacent teeth. Advantageously, the teeth can secure the clamping device against unwanted twisting.

In a further development of the tool holder, the tool holder has an additional perforated plate to secure the clamping device against rotation. The second perforated plate is arranged parallel to and offset from the first perforated plate.

The perforated plate and the next perforated plate can be connected to one another, in particular by means of a frame. The further perforated plate can have a number of holes, in particular 20 to 200 holes, each hole having a square shape. The holes of the additional perforated plate can be arranged next to each other and one below the other so that rows of holes are formed.

The holes in the next perforated plate can be formed by means of straight ribs. The webs can have a number of first webs and a number of second webs, wherein the number of first webs are arranged perpendicular to the number of second webs.

The base of the clamping apparatus and/or the base of the fastening apparatus can be arranged between the perforated plate and the further perforated plate.

1 3 FIGS.to 10 10 show a clamping devicefrom different viewing directions. The clamping deviceis designed to hold a surgical tool in a clamped state on a perforated plate.

10 12 14 12 14 4 5 FIGS.and The clamping devicehas a clamping apparatusand a fastening apparatus. For reasons of clarity, the clamping apparatusand the fastening apparatusare shown separately from each other in.

12 14 12 14 12 14 The clamping apparatusand the fastening apparatusare two separately designed components. The clamping apparatusand the fastening apparatusare each designed in one piece. The clamping apparatusand the fastening apparatusare each a stamped and bent part.

12 16 16 18 12 20 10 20 10 22 10 16 22 5 FIG. The clamping apparatushas three clamping springs, see. The clamping springsextend away from a baseof the clamping apparatusand along a longitudinal directionof the clamping device. The longitudinal directionof the clamping deviceruns parallel to a longitudinal axisof the clamping device. The clamping springsare arranged evenly distributed around the longitudinal axis.

18 12 24 18 12 20 The baseof the clamping apparatusis formed in sections by a circular disk. The baseof the clamping apparatusis arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

16 26 28 28 18 12 26 26 Each clamping springhas a clamping limbfor clamping the surgical tool and a spring arc. The spring arcis arranged between the baseof the clamping apparatusand the clamping limb. The clamping limbis designed to contact the surgical tool.

26 30 10 The clamping limbsdefine an insertion openingfor inserting the surgical tool into the clamping device.

16 32 10 32 30 32 32 20 32 18 12 Each clamping springhas an insertion rampfor inserting the surgical tool into the clamping device. The insertion rampsborder the insertion opening. Each insertion rampis arranged such that the insertion rampand the longitudinal directionare at an acute angle to each other. The insertion rampsand the baseof the clamping apparatusare arranged at opposite ends of the clamping apparatus.

10 30 18 12 22 20 32 32 16 16 12 18 12 18 12 10 The surgical tool is inserted or plugged into the clamping deviceby inserting the surgical tool into the insertion openingand moving the surgical tool in the direction of the baseof the clamping apparatus. The movement is parallel to the longitudinal axisand opposite to the longitudinal direction. The movement brings the surgical tool into contact with the insertion ramps. The surgical tool slides along the insertion rampsand thereby pretensions the clamping springsso that the surgical tool is pressed against the other clamping springsby a spring force. The surgical tool can be inserted into the clamping apparatusuntil it makes contact with the bottomof the clamping apparatus. In other words, the baseof the clamping apparatuslimits the insertion depth of the surgical tool into the clamping device.

10 10 16 10 By inserting the surgical tool into the clamping device, the surgical tool is brought into a clamped state. If the clamping deviceis fastened to the perforated plate, in the clamped state, the surgical tool is fixed to the perforated plate by means of the clamping springsin such a way that the surgical tool is secured against falling out of the clamping deviceand/or against unintentional displacement relative to the perforated plate.

14 34 34 36 14 20 10 34 22 4 FIG. The fastening apparatushas three fastening springs, see. The fastening springsextend away from a baseof the fastening apparatusand along the longitudinal directionof the clamping device. The fastening springsare arranged evenly distributed around the longitudinal axis.

18 14 38 38 14 20 The baseof the fastening apparatusis formed in sections by a circular disk. The baseof the fastening apparatusis arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

34 40 10 42 42 36 14 40 40 10 Each fastening springhas a fastening limbfor fastening the clamping deviceto the perforated plate and a spring arc. The spring arcis arranged between the baseof the fastening apparatusand the fastening limb. The fastening limbis designed to fasten the clamping deviceto the perforated plate.

40 44 10 44 46 48 50 52 46 48 50 52 34 46 48 50 52 20 46 48 50 52 46 48 50 52 3 FIG. Each fastening limbhas a fastening unitfor detachably fastening the clamping deviceto the perforated plate. Each fastening unithas four projections,,,. The two projections,and the two projections,are arranged on opposite sides of the fastening spring. Each projection,,,extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each projection,,,extends radially outwards, see also. Each projection,,,is bent radially outwards.

46 48 54 50 52 56 54 46 48 56 50 52 54 56 46 48 50 52 4 FIG. The two projections,are arranged adjacent to each other and are separated by a distancefrom each other, see. The two projections,are arranged adjacent to each other and are separated by a distance of. The distancebetween the two projections,and the distancebetween the two projections,is the same. One value of the two distances,of the projections,,,is each equal to a value of a thickness of the perforated plate.

46 48 50 52 20 This allows the perforated plate to be arranged between the two projections,and the two projections,while forming a interlocking connection, in particular in the longitudinal direction.

10 34 22 40 14 34 40 22 46 48 50 52 10 14 To attach the clamping deviceto the perforated plate, the fastening springsare pretensioned in the direction of the longitudinal axiswhile reducing the distance between the fastening limbs. Subsequently, the fastening apparatusis at least partially inserted into a hole in the perforated plate, and the pretension of the fastening springsis partially released. This causes the fastening limbsto be displaced radially outwards, away from the longitudinal axis, and the perforated plate is arranged between the two projections,and the two projections,. The clamping deviceis fastened, in particular fixed, to the perforated plate by means of the fastening apparatus.

1 5 FIGS.to 1 2 FIGS.and 12 14 18 12 36 14 18 12 36 14 In the shown exemplary embodiment from, the clamping apparatusand the fastening apparatusare connected to one another, in particular only by means of an integral connection.show that the baseof the clamping apparatusand the baseof the fastening apparatusare connected to one another by means of the integral connection. In other words, the baseof the clamping apparatusand the baseof the fastening apparatusare glued together. The integral connection is an adhesive bond.

1 5 FIGS.to 18 12 36 14 36 14 10 30 10 In the shown exemplary embodiment from, the baseof the clamping apparatusand the baseof the fastening apparatusare connected to one another in such a way that the baseof the fastening apparatusforms a first end of the clamping device. The insertion openingis arranged at a second end opposite the first end of the clamping device.

6 16 FIGS.to 1 5 FIGS.to 1 5 FIGS.to 10 show further exemplary embodiments of the clamping devicefrom, wherein the same reference signs are used for identical and functionally equivalent elements and, in this respect, reference can be made to the above explanations regarding the exemplary embodiment fromso that substantially only the existing differences will be discussed.

6 8 FIGS.to 12 14 In the illustrated embodiment from, the clamping apparatusand the fastening apparatusare connected to one another, in particular only, by means of an interlocking connection. The interlocking connection is formed by means of a deep-drawn connection.

8 FIG. 12 18 12 58 58 60 36 14 58 12 60 58 60 12 shows the clamping apparatus. The baseof the clamping apparatushas a through-hole. The through-holeis circular in shape. A portionof the baseof the fastening apparatusis driven through the through-holeby deep drawing, in particular without deforming the clamping apparatus. The portiondriven through the through-holeis deformed in such a way that the portionat least partially rests against the clamping apparatuswhile forming the interlocking connection.

60 58 18 12 30 62 36 14 58 60 48 18 12 30 7 FIG. The deformed portion, driven through the through-hole, is designed to be mushroom-shaped. On a first side of the baseof the clamping apparatus, in particular on the side facing away from the insertion opening, a portionof the baseof the fastening apparatus, which is not driven through the through-hole, rests against it, see. The portiondriven through the through-holerests against the second side of the baseof the clamping apparatus, which is opposite the first side and in particular faces the insertion opening.

9 11 FIGS.to 12 14 In the shown embodiment from, the clamping apparatusand the fastening apparatusare connected to one another, in particular only, by means of a interlocking connection. The interlocking connection is formed by an overlap of the clamping apparatus and the fastening apparatus with each other.

12 64 64 18 12 14 66 64 66 36 14 10 FIG. 11 FIG. The clamping apparatushas three bending tabs, see. The bending tabsare arranged on the baseof the clamping apparatus. The fastening apparatushas three tab openingsfor inserting the bending tabs. The tab openingsare arranged on the baseof the fastening apparatus, see.

64 66 64 14 36 14 64 12 The interlocking connection is created by inserting the bending tabsthrough the tab openingsand then bending the bending tabsover. In other words, the interlocking connection is formed by gripping the fastening apparatus, in particular the baseof the fastening apparatus, with the bent bending tabsof the clamping apparatus.

12 13 FIGS.and 12 14 68 68 36 14 18 12 18 36 70 68 70 70 20 In the shown embodiment from, the clamping apparatusand the fastening apparatusare connected to one another, in particular only, by means of a interlocking connection. The interlocking connection is formed by means of a clinch connection. The clinch connectionis formed by clinching the baseof the fastening apparatusand the baseof the clamping apparatus. The two bases,have a dome-shaped portion. The clinch connectionis formed within the dome-shaped portion. The dome-shaped portionextends in the longitudinal direction.

68 36 14 18 12 68 36 14 18 12 18 36 18 36 Before the clinch connectionis made, the baseof the fastening apparatusand the baseof the clamping apparatusare formed flat. The clinch connectionis produced by arranging the flat baseof the fastening apparatuson the flat baseof the clamping apparatusand subsequently inserting a punch into the material of the two bases,to deform the two bases,.

14 16 FIGS.to 12 14 In the illustrated embodiment from, the clamping apparatusand the fastening apparatuscan be connected to one another, in particular only, by means of a interlocking connection. The interlocking connection can be formed by means of a locking connection.

14 72 72 36 14 72 20 72 74 74 16 FIG. The fastening apparatushas three first locking elements, see. The first locking elementsare arranged on the baseof the fastening apparatus. The first locking elementsextend in the longitudinal direction. The first locking elementseach have a nose-shaped portion. Each nose-shaped portionextends in a radially inward direction.

12 72 74 72 The clamping apparatuscan have three second locking elements corresponding to the first locking elements. Every second locking element can be a locking opening into which the nose-shaped portionof the particular first locking elementcan engage while forming the locking connection.

17 FIG. 100 100 78 80 80 82 78 80 82 78 shows a tool holderfor supporting the surgical tool in a designated position. The tool holderhas a perforated platewith a multitude of holes. Each holeis star-shaped. The star-shaped form is created by the teethof the perforated plate, which define the hole. Each hole is bordered by six teethof the perforated plate.

100 10 80 10 80 17 FIG. The tool holderhas a plurality of previously described clamping devices, each of which is attached to a hole. In the shown exemplary embodiment from, five clamping devicesare attached to five holesby way of example.

18 FIG. 80 78 10 100 78 40 10 82 78 44 10 10 80 78 44 46 50 78 48 52 78 shows in detail a holeof the perforated plateand a clamping deviceof the tool holderfastened to the perforated plate. Each fastening limbof the clamping deviceis arranged between two adjacent teeth. The perforated plateis gripped by the fastening unitof the clamping device. This means that the clamping deviceis attached to the holeof the perforated plateby means of the fastening unit. The two projections,are arranged on one side of the perforated plateand the two projections,are arranged on one side of the perforated plateopposite that side.

19 FIG. 18 FIG. 100 100 84 10 84 78 78 84 shows the tool holderfrom a viewing direction opposite to. The tool holderhas a further perforated platefor securing the clamping devicesagainst twisting. The further perforated plateis arranged parallel and offset to the perforated plate. The perforated plateand the further perforated plateare connected to one another by means of a frame not shown.

84 86 86 86 84 88 86 84 The further perforated platehas a multitude of holes. Each holehas a square shape. The holesof the further perforated plateare formed by means of straight webs. The holesof the further perforated plateare arranged side by side and among each other in such a way that rows of holes are formed.

10 78 84 18 12 36 14 78 84 The clamping devicesare arranged at least partially between the perforated plateand the perforated plate. The baseof the clamping apparatusand the baseof the fastening apparatusare arranged between the perforated plateand the further perforated plate.

19 FIG. 19 FIG. 9 11 FIGS.to 14 16 FIGS.to 6 8 FIGS.to 12 13 FIGS.and 1 5 FIGS.to 10 10 10 10 10 78 In, it can be seen that, viewed from left to right by a viewer from, the clamping devicefrom, the clamping devicefrom, the clamping devicefrom, the clamping devicefromand the clamping devicefromare fastened to the perforated plate.

As the shown and explained exemplary embodiments clearly demonstrate, the present disclosure provides a clamping device and a tool holder that are economical to manufacture.